Refreshed

Yesterday we took a drive about 45 minutes outside of Vientiane to celebrate Hong's brother's brother-in-law's house-opening ceremony. It was so good to get away from the dust and pollution of the city into the freshness of the partially-jungled parts of Laos.

Sumo loves bananas.

Dad and Mom in Laos 2

We visited Patouxai! Hong hid behind a bush and took pictures of us as we climbed to each of the three level.

Here are my mom and I at the first main ledge. Can you see us? I think that's my dad's hand in the space to the left of me.

Here are my dad and I and a monk at the second main ledge. 

While Hong was taking that picture, mom was taking this picture! Good teamwork, guys. 

 And here are all three of us at the very top window. Do you spy?

Dad and Mom in Laos

It was fun to have my parents visit my home! Here are some of the things we did:

Rode around on motorbikes,

 rode in tuk-tuks

bought some pretty material, 

and wore it. And also rode in another tuk-tuk. 

More to come!

Aaaaand we're back

It's so good to be back in Laos! Among other things, I've...

watched my mom eat chicken hearts (brave!),

killed this spider (she was carrying a large egg sack), 

and cuddled this puppy (he had hiccups).

It's so fun to have my parents here!

Dad and Mom in Thailand

It's so fun to have my parents with me in Southeast Asia! After a long trip, we arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday evening. Our hotel is only a short walk away from a night market (pictured below in the daytime) and a large park.

We leave for Laos tomorrow morning! I'm so excited and ready to be back.

Stateside, Brother

It was so good to spend time with my brother while I was in the States! We enjoyed watching episodes of Community and lots of Wes Anderson movies. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of those activities, but here's a picture of us eating pizza.

And holding Delicious Cherry Dessert.

And here he is excelling at "Shut the Box".

Stateside, Museum

On the way back from Colorado, my mom and I decided to stop at the Sternberg Museum in Hays, Kansas. Neither of us were quite sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a great decision! 

Stateside, Colorado- Friends

I had such a sweet time driving with my mom to Colorado to visit two of my very best friends. 

I am so blessed to have these two ladies in my life! 

Please be in prayer for Colorado Springs as the fires are continuing to burn.

Stateside, Kentucky

Last weekend was a delightful one spent with my sister and brother-in-law in Kentucky.

 

Delicious food was eaten, eggs were gathered, fancy dresses worn, horse races watched, bourbon consumed, and Gilmore Girls quoted.  

Stateside, Jet lagged

I've been in Kansas with my fam for a week now and I'm FINALLY starting to recover from jet lag. Apparently, having traveled across 12 time zones going from West to East, I'm supposed to be fully adjusted after 8 days. Tomorrow is day 8 and I'm ready for that adjustment!

This past week has been extremely relaxing. Activities consisted of celebrating my brother's birthday, playing ping pong, eating cheese, Target shopping, and bird watching (activities first and last are pictured below).